Look, I get it. Chicken can be… well, chicken. Bland, boring, another Tuesday night existential crisis on a plate. But this Easy Orange Glazed Chicken? Oh no, my friend. This is the chicken that shows up to the party with a sparkly personality and demands attention. It’s sticky, sweet, a little tangy, and somehow manages to taste fancy without making you actually *work* for it. If you’ve ever wanted to impress someone (even if that someone is just your hungry couch-self), this is your golden ticket. And trust me, it’s easier than parallel parking.

My husband, bless his heart, once decided he was going to “help” me make this. “Help” apparently meant throwing *all* the ingredients into a bowl at once, including the un-minced garlic and a whole, unpeeled orange. He genuinely thought it was a “one-bowl wonder” for maximum efficiency. The kids, meanwhile, were convinced the pineapple was a new kind of fancy football and tried to punt it across the kitchen. I ended up with an orange-scented disaster zone, sticky pineapple juice on the ceiling, and a good laugh. So, if you manage to make this without someone attempting to play catch with the fruit, you’re already doing better than us.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

🍗

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

* Because who wants a complicated life? Not me, and certainly not you after a long Tuesday. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, meaning less time slaving over a hot stove and more time doing… whatever it is you do (scrolling TikTok, pretending to listen to your kids, staring blankly into the middle distance).
* It’s gloriously sticky, which means everyone gets messy hands, and honestly, that’s half the fun. Embrace the chaos, or keep wet wipes handy—your call.
* It makes your kitchen smell like a fancy takeout place, but without the awkward small talk or the guilt of knowing you just spent too much on delivery. You can proudly tell your friends you “made” dinner, even if you mostly just stirred things. No one needs to know the details.
* The leftovers (if they exist) are just as good, if not better. It’s like magic, but with soy sauce and sugar.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Pre-minced garlic? Absolutely. Garlic paste in a tube? Don’t even pretend you’re too good for it. Your secret is safe with me.
– Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Or foil. Or just accept that you’re going to scrub it later. Your call. (My call is parchment every single time.)
– Buy pre-chopped chicken if you’re feeling extra lazy. The chicken won’t know the difference, and neither will your family. They’ll just be happy it’s not cereal for dinner.
– Use the same measuring spoon for the soy sauce and then the honey. A little cross-contamination of deliciousness never hurt anyone. Fewer dishes, more life.

Serving Ideas

– This chicken practically begs for some plain white rice to soak up all that glorious sticky sauce. Or, you know, just eat it with a fork directly from the pan. No judgment here.
– A simple steamed green veggie like broccoli or green beans is always a good idea. It adds some much-needed color and makes you feel like you’re being healthy, even if you’re about to have a second helping of that sweet sauce.
– Serve with a crisp, slightly chilled white wine if the kids drove you nuts today. Or if it’s Tuesday. Or just because. You earned it.
– Honestly, sometimes just making the chicken is enough. Don’t overthink it. It’s tasty on its own.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!